Are you unsure what career path to follow, or perhaps you want to change your current career? If you don’t mind working with your hands and getting a little dirty, you should consider a career as a welder!
We’ll go over the benefits of working as a welder and why it’s a terrific career option for many, even if you don’t currently know anything about welding.
Easy Access
One of the most desirable reasons to become a welder is that it is incredibly straightforward and accessible to join the profession. Welding doesn’t require years of formal education or expensive schooling that requires tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans.
Many welding workshops and apprentice programs can get you trained and certified in less than a year. They’ll teach the finer points of the profession, like safe welding habits, and many will even help you find your first professional job or apprenticeship. In a year or less, you can become a professional welder!
Always In-Demand Skill
Welding is one of those skills and professions that has been around for a long time and doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. Some may think that automation and robots can do the job of welders, but the knowledge and skill of a well-trained welder are still essential for many industries.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that jobs for welders will grow by eight percent over the next decade. The technology and equipment may change from year to year, but there’s no replacing the person behind that equipment.
Earn Secure Wages
The natural result of the strong demand for welders is that welders can earn a secure and competitive salary from the start. The median wage for entry-level workers begins at around $40,000 per year, and there’s plenty of room for growth.
Welding is one of those professions where the more you continue to work hard, the more you earn. Many welders eventually start a welding business with multiple welders under their employ to take on larger jobs where the pay is even higher.
Choose Where You Work
Welders aren’t just in-demand in the United States but worldwide. As a welder, you’ll have numerous options regarding your workplace and where you want to work.
Industries that are always searching for and hiring welders include:
- Construction
- Ship Building
- Railroad
- Manufacturing
- Military
- Aerospace
Welders can even work underwater on offshore oil rigs and other industrial projects! Where do you want to work, at a shipbuilding yard in Florida or on a railroad in France? As a welder, there’s no shortage of options!
We hope our guide has made you consider a career as a welder. Skilled workers like welders are always in demand, and there’s nothing wrong with working with your hands as a skilled craftsperson!
